Understanding How Faculty Members Act When Faced with Plagiarism: A Cross-Cultural Study

Abstract

This work develops the research into academic integrity in higher education and how this is ensured. The study collected data via semi-structured interviews with business management teachers at universities in several different countries. Participants discussed the strategies they used to detect plagiarism. An interpretive approach was therefore used to consider their plagiarism experiences. One key finding that emerged that is relevant to policymaking in the higher education sector is that plagiarism issues and methods of dealing with them should be regulated in a uniform manner. As such, the ways that teachers deal with such issues should always adhere to the policies of the university, and such policies should consider the seriousness of the infraction and respond accordingly. Such an approach would necessitate a standardized way of addressing the problem and support members of the faculty to contribute to developing and academic culture that prioritizes integrity.